Gaming system and a method of gaming

ABSTRACT

A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of display positions, and an instruction selector arranged to select an instruction from a plurality of instructions, at least some of the instructions being different and each instruction being indicative of a modification action applicable to the displayed symbols. The system also comprises a display modifier arranged to modify the displayed symbols according to the selected instruction, and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols after modification by the selected instruction. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/151,694 having a priority date of Feb. 11, 2009, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

[MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE]

[Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a gaming system and to a method ofgaming.

It is known to provide a gaming system which comprises a game controllerarranged to randomly display several symbols from a predetermined set ofsymbols and to determine a game outcome such as a game win based on thedisplayed symbols. Such gaming systems may commonly be implemented as astepper machine provided with reels with each reel carrying severalsymbols of the set, or a video machine wherein selected symbols aredisplayed on virtual reels on a graphical display device.

However, while such gaming systems provide users with enjoyment, a needexists for alternative gaming systems in order to maintain or increaseplayer enjoyment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a gaming system comprising:

a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a setof symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of displaypositions;

an instruction selector arranged to select an instruction from aplurality of instructions, at least some of the instructions beingdifferent and each instruction being indicative of a modification actionapplicable to the displayed symbols;

a display modifier arranged to modify the displayed symbols according tothe selected instruction; and

an outcome evaluator arranged to determine a game outcome based on thedisplayed symbols after modification by the selected instruction.

In one embodiment, the instructions are associated with an instructionreel, the instruction reel being rotated and subsequently stopped todisplay a selected instruction.

In an alternative embodiment, the instructions are associated with amulti faceted shape, each face of the shape being associated with aninstruction and the shape being rotated and subsequently stopped so asto display a face associated with a selected instruction.

The multi faceted shape may comprise indicia indicative of theinstructions on faces of the shape. The indicia may comprise numbers andin one embodiment the shape is a die with each number on the diecorresponding to an instruction.

In one embodiment, all of the instructions are different. In analternative embodiment, at least two instructions are the same.

In one embodiment, the gaming system is operable in normal game modewherein an instruction is not selected from the plurality ofinstructions and the displayed symbols are not modified, and specialgame mode wherein an instruction is selected from the plurality ofinstructions and the displayed symbols are modified according to theselected instruction.

In one embodiment, the symbol selector is arranged to select symbolsduring a base game implemented during normal game mode and the displaymodifier is arranged to modify the selected symbols according to theselected instruction during special game mode.

In an alternative embodiment, the symbol selector is arranged to selectsymbols and the display modifier is arranged to modify the selectedsymbols during special game mode.

In one embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to commence specialgame mode when a trigger condition exists, which may be display of atleast one trigger symbol, such as a wild symbol.

In an alternative embodiment, the trigger condition is display of aparticular combination of trigger symbols such as scattered predefinedsymbols or a particular combination of adjacently disposed symbols alonga win line.

The plurality of instructions may include an instruction arranged tocause one or more symbols to swap positions or duplicate, to cause oneor more rows or columns to swap or duplicate, or to cause one or moresymbols to be replaced with a WILD symbol.

The set of symbols may include at least one function symbol having anassociated function which may be a wild function, a scatter function, amultiplier function, a repeat win function or a jackpot function.

The gaming system may be implemented as a stand alone gaming machine oracross a network.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method of gaming comprising:

selecting a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in adisplay area at a plurality of display positions;

selecting an instruction from a plurality of instructions, at least someof the instructions being different and each instruction beingindicative of a modification action applicable to the displayed symbols;

modifying the displayed symbols according to the selected instruction;and

determining a game outcome based on the displayed symbols aftermodification by the selected instruction.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a computer program arranged when loaded into a computer toinstruct the computer to operate in accordance with a gaming systemcomprising:

a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a setof symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of displaypositions;

an instruction selector arranged to select an instruction from aplurality of instructions, at least some of the instructions beingdifferent and each instruction being indicative of a modification actionapplicable to the displayed symbols;

a display modifier arranged to modify the displayed symbols according tothe selected instruction; and

an outcome evaluator arranged to determine a game outcome based on thedisplayed symbols after modification by the selected instruction.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a computer readable medium having computer readable programcode embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in accordancewith a gaming system comprising:

a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a setof symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of displaypositions;

an instruction selector arranged to select an instruction from aplurality of instructions, at least some of the instructions beingdifferent and each instruction being indicative of a modification actionapplicable to the displayed symbols;

a display modifier arranged to modify the displayed symbols according tothe selected instruction; and

an outcome evaluator arranged to determine a game outcome based on thedisplayed symbols after modification by the selected instruction.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a data signal having computer readable program code embodiedtherein for causing a computer to operate in accordance with a gamingsystem comprising:

a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a setof symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of displaypositions;

an instruction selector arranged to select an instruction from aplurality of instructions, at least some of the instructions beingdifferent and each instruction being indicative of a modification actionapplicable to the displayed symbols;

a display modifier arranged to modify the displayed symbols according tothe selected instruction; and

an outcome evaluator arranged to determine a game outcome based on thedisplayed symbols after modification by the selected instruction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only,with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of core components of a gamingsystem in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of functional components of a gamingsystem in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a gaming system in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention with the gaming systemimplemented in the form of a stand alone gaming machine;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of operative components of thegaming machine shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of components of a memory of thegaming machine shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a gaming system in accordance with analternative embodiment of the present invention with the gaming systemimplemented over a network;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of gaming in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of example displayed symbols andan example instruction selector of a gaming system in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of example displayed symbols ofa gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention after modification in accordance with an example selectedinstruction;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of example displayed symbols ofa gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention after modification in accordance with an alternative exampleselected instruction;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation of example displayed symbols ofa gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention after modification in accordance with a further alternativeexample selected instruction;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic representation of an alternative instructionselector of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic representation of a further alternativeinstruction selector of a gaming system in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a schematic block diagram of agaming system 10 arranged to implement a probabilistic game of the typewherein several symbols from a set of symbols are randomly displayed,and a game outcome is determined on the basis of the displayed symbols.With some such probabilistic games, the set of symbols include standardsymbols and function symbols, and the game outcome is determined on thebasis of the displayed standard symbols and the function associated withany displayed function symbol. For example, standard symbols mayresemble fruit such as apples, pears and bananas with a win outcomebeing determined when a predetermined number of the same fruit appear ona display in the same win line, scattered, and so on. The functionassociated with a function symbol may be for example a wild functionwherein display of the function symbol is treated during considerationof the game outcome as any of the standard symbols. A function symbolmay be represented as the word “WILD”, a star, or by any other suitableword or symbol. Other functions are also envisaged such as scatterfunctions, multiplier functions, repeat win functions, jackpot functionsand feature commencement functions. The available win lines may befixed, may be determined on the basis of the bet placed, or may beselectable by a player.

The present gaming system operates such that at least during a portionof a game implemented by the gaming system, the display is modified byan instruction selected from a plurality of instructions. Theinstruction may be arranged to cause one or more symbols to swappositions or duplicate, to cause one or more rows or columns to swap orduplicate, or any other instruction arranged to cause a change in thedisplayed symbols. Game outcomes are then determined after modificationof the displayed symbols. In this way, the player is provided withenhanced enjoyment and an increased likelihood of obtaining a winningoutcome.

Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of core components of a gamingsystem 10 is shown. The core components comprise a player interface 30and a game controller 32. The player interface 30 is arranged to enableinteraction between a player and the gaming system and for this purposeincludes input/output components required for the player to enterinstructions and play the game.

Components of the player interface 30 may vary but will typicallyinclude a credit mechanism 34 to enable a player to input credits andreceive payouts, one or more displays 36 which may comprise a touchscreen, and a game play mechanism 38 arranged to enable a player toinput game playing instructions.

The game controller 32 is in data communication with the playerinterface 30 and typically includes a processor 39 arranged to processgame play instructions and output game player outcomes to the display36. Typically, the game play instructions are stored as program code ina memory 42 that can also be hardwired. It will be understood that inthis specification the term “processor” is used to refer generically toany device that can process game play instructions and may include amicroprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or anycomputational device such as a personal computer or a server.

A functional diagram illustrating operative components of the gamecontroller 32 is shown in FIG. 2.

The memory 42 is arranged to store symbols data 14 indicative of aplurality of symbols for subsequent display to a player, function data16 indicative of one or more functions allocatable to the symbols, andgame program data 17 usable by the gaming machine 10 to controloperation of the game. The memory 42 is also arranged to store aplurality of instructions 18 which, when selected during a game, effecta change of symbols and thereby potentially a change to the outcome ofthe game.

The game controller 32 includes a symbol selector 20 which is arrangedto select several symbols from the stored symbols 14 for display to aplayer. In this example, the selection carried out by the symbolselector 20 is made using a random number generator 22.

It will be appreciated that the random number generator 22 may be of atype which is arranged to generate pseudo random numbers based on a seednumber, and that in this specification the term “random” will beunderstood accordingly to mean truly random or pseudo random.

In the present example, the gaming system 10 is operable in normal gamemode and special game mode. Special game mode is arranged to commencebased on occurrence of a trigger condition. For this purpose, the gamecontroller 32 also comprises a trigger determiner 24 arranged todetermine whether a trigger condition exists and to commence specialgame mode when the trigger condition is detected.

The game controller 32 also includes a trigger determiner 24 arranged toselect at least one instruction 18 when a trigger condition is detected,and a display modifier 27 arranged to modify the displayed symbolsaccording to the selected instruction.

In this example, the game controller 32 also comprises a functionallocator 26 arranged to select and allocate one or more functions toone or more symbols. Such functions include a wild function, a scatterfunction, or any other function which may be applied to a symbol or tothe game.

The game controller 32 also comprises an outcome generator 28 which inaccordance with the game programs 17 determines game outcomes based onthe symbols selected for display to a player by the symbol selector 20,and during special game mode based on the displayed symbols aftermodification according to the selected instruction by the displaymodifier 27.

In the embodiments described below, the symbol selector 20, the triggerdeterminer 24, the function allocator 26, and the outcome generator 28are at least partly implemented using the processor 39 and associatedsoftware, although it will be understood that other implementations areenvisaged.

The gaming system 10 can take a number of different forms.

In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all ormost components required for implementing the game are present in aplayer operable gaming machine.

In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some ofthe components required for implementing the game are present in aplayer operable gaming machine and some of the components required forimplementing the game are located remotely relative to the gamingmachine. For example, a “thick client” architecture may be used whereinpart of the game is executed on a player operable gaming machine andpart of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a“thin client” architecture may be used wherein most of the game isexecuted remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operablegaming machine is used only to play audible and/or display visiblegaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from theplayer.

However, it will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged.For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming machine isnetworked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gamingmachine and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example,the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming machine mode, “thickclient” mode or “thin client” mode depending on the game being played,operating conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent topersons skilled in the art.

A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 40 isillustrated in FIG. 3. The gaming machine 40 includes a console 42having a display 44 on which is displayed representations of a game 46that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 50 of the gaming machine 40houses a bank of buttons 52 for enabling a player to interact with thegaming machine, in particular during gameplay. The mid-trim 50 alsohouses a credit input mechanism 54 which in this example includes a coininput chute 54A and a bill collector 54B. Other credit input mechanismsmay also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smartcard, debit card or credit card.

A top box 56 may carry artwork 58, including for example pay tables anddetails of bonus awards and other information or images relating to thegame. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a frontpanel 59 of the console 42. A coin tray 60 is mounted beneath the frontpanel 59 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 40.

The display 44 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly acathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 44 may be aliquid crystal display, plasma screen, or any other suitable videodisplay unit. The top box 56 may also include a display, for example avideo display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 44, orof a different type.

The display 44 in this example is arranged to display representations ofseveral reels, each reel of which has several associated symbols.Typically 3, 4 or 5 reels are provided. During operation of the game,the reels first appear to rotate then stop with typically three symbolsvisible on each reel.

A player marketing module (PMM) 62 having a display 64 is connected tothe gaming machine 10. The main purpose of the PMM 62 is to allow theplayer to interact with a player loyalty system. The PMM has a magneticcard reader for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, forexample as part of a loyalty program. However other reading devices maybe employed and the player tracking device may be in the form of a card,flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being readby the reading device. In this example, the PMM 62 is a Sentinel IIIdevice produced by Aristocrat Technologies Pty Ltd.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gamingmachine 100 which may be the same as or different to the gaming machineshown in FIG. 3.

The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 having a processor102. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 102 inaccordance with the present invention are stored in a memory 103 whichis in data communication with the processor 102.

Typically, the gaming machine 100 will include both volatile andnon-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with suchmemories being collectively represented by the memory 103.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplarymemory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 103A, EPROM 103B and a massstorage device 103C. The RAM 103A typically temporarily holds programfiles for execution by the processor 102 and related data. The EPROM103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or gamerelated code. The mass storage device 103C is typically used to storegame programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/orauthenticated by the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM103B or elsewhere.

The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes includingensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, aninput/output (I/O) interface 105 for communicating with a playerinterface 120 of the gaming machine 100, the player interface 120 havingseveral peripheral devices. The input/output interface 105 and/or theperipheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory forstoring associated instructions and data for use with the input/outputinterface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module113 generates random numbers for use by the processor 102.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the peripheral devices that communicatewith the game controller 101 comprise one or more displays 106, a touchscreen and/or bank of buttons 107, a card and/or ticket reader 108, aprinter 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 110 and a coinoutput mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be included as part of thegaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted as required for thespecific implementation.

In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a communicationsinterface, for example a network card 112. The network card may, forexample, send status information, accounting information or otherinformation to a central controller, server or database and receive dataor commands from the central controller, server or database.

It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine100 to be distributed, for example input/output devices106,107,108,109,110,111 may be provided remotely from the gamecontroller 101.

FIG. 6 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an alternativeembodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a network 201, which forexample may be an Ethernet network, a LAN or a WAN. In this example,three banks 203 of two gaming machines 202 are connected to the network201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operable interface and maybe the same as the gaming machines 40,100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, or mayhave simplified functionality depending on the requirements forimplementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming machines areillustrated in FIG. 6, banks of one, three or more gaming machines arealso envisaged.

One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the network 201. Thedisplays 204 may, for example, be associated with one or more banks 203of gaming machines. The displays 204 may be used to displayrepresentations associated with game play on the gaming machines 202,and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional orinformational material.

In a thick client embodiment, a game server 205 implements part of thegame played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gamingmachine 202 implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as boththe game server 205 and the gaming machine 202 implement part of thegame, they collectively provide a game controller. A database managementserver 206 may manage storage of game programs and associated data fordownloading or access by the gaming devices 202 in a database 206A.Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in aJackpot game, a Jackpot server 207 will be provided to monitor and carryout the Jackpot game.

In a variation of the above thick client embodiment, the gaming machine202 may implement the game, with the game server 205 functioning merelyto serve data indicative of a game to the gaming machine 202 forimplementation.

With this implementation, a data signal containing a computer programusable by the client terminal to implement the gaming system may betransferred from the game server to the client terminal, for example inresponse to a request by the client terminal.

In a thin client embodiment, the game server 205 implements most or allof the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gamingmachine 202 essentially provides only the player interface. With thisembodiment, the game server 205 provides the game controller. The gamingmachine will receive player instructions, and pass the instructions tothe game server which will process them and return game play outcomes tothe gaming machine for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gamingmachines could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software thatprovides a player interface operable using standard computer input andoutput components.

Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration ofthe gaming system 200, including for example a gaming floor managementserver 208 and a licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licensesrelating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 is providedto allow an administrator to monitor the network 201 and the devicesconnected to the network.

The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, otherlocal networks such as a corporate network, and/or a wide area networksuch as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211.

A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with knowntechniques, functionality at the server side of the network may bedistributed over a plurality of different computers. For example,elements may be run as a single “engine” on one server or a separateserver may be provided. For example, the game server 205 could run arandom number generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random numbergenerator server could be provided.

During operation, the game controller, whether implemented in a standalone gaming machine 10, 40, 100 or over a network 201, implements aprobabilistic game wherein at least during part of the game the gamingsystem selects at least one instruction and modifies the displayedsymbols according to the selected instruction.

In one embodiment, a representation of the selectable instructions isdisplayed, for example by providing the instructions on an instructionreel and spinning and subsequently stopping the reel so as to indicate aselected instruction.

The plurality of selectable instructions may all be different or atleast two of the selectable instructions may be the same.

Examples of specific implementations of the gaming system will now bedescribed in relation to a stand alone gaming machine 10, 40, 100although it will be understood that implementation may also be carriedout using other gaming system architectures such as a networkarchitecture of the type shown in FIG. 6.

In one embodiment, the gaming system operates in normal game mode and,when a trigger condition occurs, in special game mode.

During normal game mode, reels comprising standard symbols andoptionally one or more function symbols are provided. Win outcomes aredetermined on the basis of the symbols visible when the reels stoprotating, and in this example three symbols are displayed on each reelat any time. A win outcome may occur based on display of the same symbolalong normal win lines which may extend horizontally diagonally, or inany other predefined continuous line. A win outcome may also occur basedon display of multiple scattered symbols at any display location. A winoutcome may also occur on the basis of one or more standard symbols incombination with at least one function symbol having an assignedfunction. For example a function symbol may correspond to a wildfunction, a scatter function, a multiply function, a repeat winfunction, and so on.

During special game mode, at least one instruction is selected from aplurality of available instructions and the selected instruction isapplied to the displayed symbols so as to modify the displayed symbols.

The displayed symbols which are modified may be symbols which areselected and displayed during a base game or may be symbols which areselected and displayed after commencement of a feature game duringspecial game mode.

The gaming system may be arranged to commence special game mode when apredetermined game outcome occurs, or may be prompted by a playerpressing a button on the gaming system 10, 40, 100 after the player hasidentified that a game outcome corresponding to special game moderequirements has occurred. For example, special game mode may commencewhen a specific combination of symbols is displayed such as scatteredCAT symbols.

The gaming system 10, 40, 100 may also be arranged so as to determineeligibility for special game mode, for example based on the amount ortype of bet placed, based on certain time periods and so on.

Special game mode may also be arranged to commence when a special gameis purchased by a player.

A specific example will now be described in relation to flow diagram 250shown in FIG. 7 which illustrates steps 252 to 266 of a method of gamingimplemented by the gaming system.

In this example, five reels are provided, with each reel having multiplesymbols. The reels are virtual reels and, as such, representations ofthe reels are displayed on a graphical display device 44.

During normal game mode, first, second, third, fourth and fifth reels304, 306, 308, 310 and 312 rotate and the reels stop with three symbols220 displayed on each reel, as shown in FIG. 8.

The outcome evaluator 28 evaluates the displayed symbol combination andif the display positions of the symbols correspond to a win outcome aprize is awarded.

In the present embodiment, no win outcome is present.

When a particular trigger condition occurs during normal game mode, forexample based on occurrence of a predetermined trigger symbol or symbolcombination, by a player pressing a button after the player hasidentified that requirements for special game mode have been met, or inany other way, the gaming system 10, 40, 100 implements special gamemode. Commencement of special game mode may be communicated to a playerin any suitable way, for example by displaying an icon on the graphicaldisplay.

During special game mode, an instruction is selected 258 by theinstruction selector 25 and a representation of a selected instructionis displayed in an instruction window 324, as shown in FIG. 8.

In this example, the instructions are provided on an instruction reeland after commencement of special game mode, the instruction reelappears to rotate and subsequently stop in the instruction window 324.

In the present example, the selected instruction causes reels 3 and 4 toswap positions, as shown in FIG. 9.

The outcome evaluator 28 evaluates 264 the modified displayed symbolcombination and if the modified symbols correspond to a win outcome aprize is awarded.

In the present example, the modified symbols define a winningcombination having 5 King symbols disposed on a win line.

It will be appreciated that other types of instruction are envisaged.For example, the selected instruction may cause row 1 to duplicate andreplace row 3, as shown in FIG. 10, or may cause one or more selectedsymbols to be replaced by one or more other selected symbols, such asall Ace symbols to be replaced by a King symbol, as shown in FIG. 11.

It will also be appreciated that selection of an instruction may berepresented on the display in other ways, for example by displayingrepresentations of the instructions on faces 338 of a cube 340, as shownin FIG. 12, and rolling or otherwise rotating the cube so as to selectone of the instructions to be applied to the displayed symbols. As afurther alternative, a die 350 may be provided, with each number on thedie representing an instruction.

In the claims of this application and in the description of theinvention, except where the context requires otherwise due to expresslanguage or necessary implication, the words “comprise” or variationssuch as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e.to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude thepresence or addition of further features in various embodiments of theinvention.

Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addresseeare deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

1. A gaming system comprising: a symbol selector arranged to select aplurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display areaat a plurality of display positions; an instruction selector arranged toselect an instruction from a plurality of instructions, at least some ofthe instructions being different and each instruction being indicativeof a modification action applicable to the displayed symbols; a displaymodifier arranged to modify the displayed symbols according to theselected instruction; and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine agame outcome based on the displayed symbols after modification by theselected instruction.
 2. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe instructions are associated with an instruction reel, theinstruction reel being rotated and subsequently stopped to display aselected instruction.
 3. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe instructions are associated with a multi faceted shape, each face ofthe shape being associated with an instruction and the shape beingrotated and subsequently stopped so as to display a face associated witha selected instruction.
 4. A gaming system as claimed in claim 3,wherein the multi faceted shape comprises indicia indicative of theinstructions on faces of the shape.
 5. A gaming system as claimed inclaim 4, wherein the indicia comprises numbers.
 6. A gaming system asclaimed in claim 5, wherein the shape is a die with each number on thedie corresponding to an instruction.
 7. A gaming system as claimed inclaim 1, wherein all of the instructions are different.
 8. A gamingsystem as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two instructions are thesame.
 9. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gamingsystem is operable in normal game mode wherein an instruction is notselected from the plurality of instructions and the displayed symbolsare not modified, and special game mode wherein an instruction isselected from the plurality of instructions and the displayed symbolsare modified according to the selected instruction.
 10. A gaming systemas claimed in claim 9, wherein the symbol selector is arranged to selectsymbols during a base game implemented during normal game mode and thedisplay modifier is arranged to modify the selected symbols according tothe selected instruction during special game mode.
 11. A gaming systemas claimed in claim 1, wherein the symbol selector is arranged to selectsymbols and the display modifier is arranged to modify the selectedsymbols during special game mode.
 12. A gaming system as claimed inclaim 9, wherein the gaming system is arranged to commence special gamemode when a trigger condition exists.
 13. A gaming system as claimed inclaim 12, wherein the trigger condition is display of a particularcombination of trigger symbols such as scattered predefined symbols or aparticular combination of adjacently disposed symbols along a win line.14. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality ofinstructions include an instruction arranged to cause one or moresymbols to swap positions or duplicate, to cause one or more rows orcolumns to swap or duplicate, or to cause one or more symbols to bereplaced with a WILD symbol.
 15. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1,wherein the set of symbols include at least one function symbol havingan associated function which may be a wild function, a scatter function,a multiplier function, a repeat win function or a jackpot function. 16.A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gaming system isimplemented as a stand alone gaming machine or across a network.
 17. Amethod of gaming comprising: selecting a plurality of symbols from a setof symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of displaypositions; selecting an instruction from a plurality of instructions, atleast some of the instructions being different and each instructionbeing indicative of a modification action applicable to the displayedsymbols; modifying the displayed symbols according to the selectedinstruction; and determining a game outcome based on the displayedsymbols after modification by the selected instruction.
 18. A method asclaimed in claim 17, comprising associating the instructions with aninstruction reel, rotating the instruction reel, and subsequentlystopping the reel to display a selected instruction.
 19. A method asclaimed in claim 17, comprising associating the instructions with amulti faceted shape, each face of the shape being associated with aninstruction, and rotating and subsequently stopping the shape so as todisplay a face associated with a selected instruction.
 20. A method asclaimed in claim 19, comprising disposing indicia indicative of theinstructions on faces of the multi faceted shape.
 21. A method asclaimed in claim 20, wherein the indicia comprises numbers.
 22. A methodas claimed in claim 21, wherein the shape is a die with each number onthe die corresponding to an instruction.
 23. A method as claimed inclaim 17, wherein all of the instructions are different.
 24. A method asclaimed in claim 17, wherein at least two instructions are the same. 25.A method as claimed in claim 17, comprising enabling operation in normalgame mode wherein an instruction is not selected from the plurality ofinstructions and the displayed symbols are not modified, and specialgame mode wherein an instruction is selected from the plurality ofinstructions and the displayed symbols are modified according to theselected instruction.
 26. A method as claimed in claim 25, comprisingselecting symbols during a base game implemented during normal game modeand modifying the selected symbols according to the selected instructionduring special game mode.
 27. A method as claimed in claim 17,comprising selecting symbols and modifying the selected symbols duringspecial game mode.
 28. A method as claimed in claim 25, comprisingcommencing special game mode when a trigger condition exists.
 29. Amethod as claimed in claim 28, wherein the trigger condition is displayof a particular combination of trigger symbols such as scatteredpredefined symbols or a particular combination of adjacently disposedsymbols along a win line.
 30. A method as claimed in claim 17, whereinthe plurality of instructions include an instruction arranged to causeone or more symbols to swap positions or duplicate, to cause one or morerows or columns to swap or duplicate, or to cause one or more symbols tobe replaced with a WILD symbol.
 31. A method as claimed in claim 17,wherein the set of symbols include at least one function symbol havingan associated function which may be a wild function, a scatter function,a multiplier function, a repeat win function or a jackpot function. 32.A gaming system as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising a computerprogram arranged when loaded into a computer to instruct the computer tooperate in accordance with said gaming system.
 33. A gaming systemaccording to claim 1 and further comprising a computer readable mediumhaving computer readable program code embodied therein for causing acomputer to operate in accordance with said gaming system.
 34. A gamingsystem according to claim 1 and further comprising a data signal havingcomputer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computerto operate in accordance with said gaming system.